Up to now, I've used 12 gauge shotgun patches to wipe down the frame, bolts, etc. on firearms I'm cleaning. And, I went to buy patches today, and began to wonder if there is a cheaper way. (1) Would cotton diapers or some other fabric be a cheaper way to go when cleaning everything but the bore? (2) What is the cheapest source for decent patches? They seem pretty expensive, considering how many I can run through when I'm trying to get a firearm really clean. Seems like I got through interminable patches trying to get it to come out clean. Even in a bulk bag, I'm paying $8 per bag (# of patches varies, depending upon size of the patch.

Second point ... bore snakes. I hear some people rave about these things, but there is something I don't understand. I have people suggest to me that I run a patch through the bore once, so I don't keep spreading the residue in and out of the bore. To be frank, I don't follow that advice, because it seems like I'd use up an entire bulk bag of patches if I did that. So, if you use a bore snake, doesn't the thing get dirty in short order? And, when it does, how do you clean it? In other words, do you just use the snake a few times, and then clean it somehow? I assume you don't simply toss it ... they're pretty expensive.

Thanks for your help. Regards from AZ

Jim V

September 19, 2000, 10:35 AM

Jeff, Most auto supply stores have white cotton "rags" in 5 - 6 packs for sale. They also offer the traditional red shop rags but I pass on them. I look for the white ones. They are softer, seem to do their job a little better and cost about the same as the red ones.

As to inexpensive bore patches, I don't know where you'll find any. If you are cheap, you can buy one or more of those delicate laundry bags, pack your used patches inside and run 'em thru the washing machine with -&gt;

I believe the BoreSnakes can be cleaned by tossing them in the washing machine. I would go use a coin operated one and not the one at home if there is anyone there that would complain about her machine washing gun solvents out of cleaning gear.

------------------
Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

Jeff, I cut up old t-shirts for patches, but some times I dont get them cut right, to tight.
I ask the same question on the Bore Snake, every body said they are great especialy for a quick clean up at the range, then do a better clean up later, some say they still use the old fashion way for the hard to remove crud.

I would just wash them in the kitchen sink with plain dish soap, rinse and dry.

------------------
"Defiance"
And yet...it moves
(Galileo Galilie)

"Spay or Nuter your Socialist Pets"

Skorzeny

September 19, 2000, 07:12 PM

I buy patches for bore cleaning, but use old ragged white T-shirts for other kinds of cleaning. When they are dirty, I just wash them in the washing machine (my wife doesn't know about it yet).

Is that bad, do you guys think? Will that gunk up the washing machine? My guess is that it wouldn't (since there are numerous washing and rising cycles and the water and the gunk drain away).

I use boresnakes as well. After each use, I put them in a washing mesh bag or tied them up with a rubber band and put them in the washing machine as well. I believe that is what the manufacturer recommends as well (either a mesh bag or tie-up).

Skorzeny

------------------
For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence. Sun Tzu